There are a number of different skills that you can learn in order to survive in winter environment.


Weather Knowlege: It is very important to know the weather forecast for the area you are in during the days that you will be camping. If extreme cold weather is being forecast then you must take special precautions to not get hypothermia, frostbite and other extreme weather effects. Also, when you are out in the wilderness, you must always keep looking at the sky to see if clouds are building up and a storm might be coming in.

Fire Flames Clip Art
Fire Flames Clip Art


Fire Building: It is very important to always carry lots of dry matches with you and having a bit of paper or cardboard is a good idea. Even in winter, the small branches near the trunk of a tree are dry and when you break them up, they are quite easy to light. Start a small fire and have lots of kindling ready to add until you get a good blaze going. It is better to have a small fire because then you do not have to work so hard to get lots of wood. Always practice good fire safety.

Cooking: it is a very good idea to carry emergency food, even if you think you are just going into the wilderness for a short time. Energy bars and gorp are good examples. Having a pot and maybe some oatmeal is very good to be able to make a hot meal to help stay warm. If you are camping out for several days, it is good to learn to cook easy meals like pasta.